Solutions that don’t break the bank, reinvent the wheel or marginalize our teachers are within our grasp. We could have rigorous classes, safe and disciplined schools and treat teachers like valued colleagues rather than easily replaceable cogs, and we could do so tomorrow if we wanted. Disclaimer, this is an opinion and commentary site and should not be confused as a news site, and you should know that quite often people may disagree with the opinions posted herein.

Total Pageviews

Search This Blog

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Jeb Bush continues to stick it to teachers

From Scathing Purple Musings

by Bob Sikes

From the FB page of Jeb Bush’s Foundation for Excellence in Education:

“Amendment 7 is not about vouchers. It is about providing Floridians high-quality public services (social, healthcare, and education), irrespective of the provider’s religious affiliation. The amendment simply aligns the Florida Constitution with protections that already exist in the U.S. Constitution. Unions are more interested in protecting political monopolies than ensuring every Floridian has access to the high-quality services that best fit their needs. By making this about vouchers and educational choice, the teachers unions are again proving they care more about power than equipping Sunshine State students for success.”
This is low rent propaganda at it’s worst. Even the casual observer to the education debate knows this is about vouchers. Bush wouldn’t even be saying anything if it weren’t. His continued use this sort of inflammatory rhetoric smears the integrity of the state’s teachers. You cannot be against teachers but for children.

At any rate, its useful to consider what would result in the repeal of Blaine. If faith-based schools are able to compete for taxpayers dollars, it would have to include all faiths. While school boards would be sure have the final say, is Bush prepared to have radical Madrasahs apply for a charter or opportunity scholarships?

Probably not. But in the zeal to force total privatization of the state’s schools, Florida’s republican legislature never considered that. Or is that they will look at any mechanism to advance their agenda?